What Is Global Warming?

Global warming is the long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature. It’s a part of climate change, which includes changes in weather patterns, sea levels, and extreme events like heatwaves or storms. Scientists have observed that Earth’s temperature has been rising quickly over the last 100 years, especially since the 1970s.

The main cause of global warming is the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases, like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane, trap heat from the sun. This is known as the greenhouse effect. It’s a natural process, but human activities—like burning fossil fuels for cars, electricity, and factories—have added too many greenhouse gases, making the planet warmer than it should be.

One of the biggest sources of CO₂ is the burning of coal, oil, and gas. Cutting down forests also adds to the problem because trees absorb carbon dioxide. When forests are cleared, there are fewer trees to clean the air, and the carbon stored in trees is released back into the atmosphere.

Global warming has many effects on the Earth. It causes ice at the poles to melt, which leads to sea level rise. It also leads to hotter temperatures, droughts, and more wildfires in some areas. Animals are losing habitats, and farmers may have trouble growing crops in changing weather conditions.

People around the world are working to reduce global warming by using cleaner energy sources like solar and wind power, planting trees, and driving electric vehicles.

Fun Fact: The past 10 years have included the hottest years ever recorded on Earth!